We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other

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Life without technology, is that even possible? In today’s time, we as a society have become mentally and physically engrossed in technology. Whether it is an iPhone, iPad, or iMac, we are engaging in digital technology as an escape from the outside world. Sherry Turkle, a psychologist and professor at MIT, now the author of Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and Less From Each Other, has been studying how people and digital technology get along for thirty years. She suggests that digital technology is seductive because it serves the purpose that we never have to be alone. We constantly have that ability to interact in a way that makes us feel comfortable. Turkle explains the paradox of technology well; how it can compare to some real life emotional bonds but on the other hand can just be too much. I agree on the standpoint that our involvement with technology is affecting our ability to form personal relationships, express emotion, and communicate with others outside of an electronic device. Sherry Turkle does not think that we should give up technology altogether, but to be cautious of the dangerous effects it has on our well-being. Digital technology has affected our ability to engage physically in society. She expresses that we may be letting technology take us to places that we don’t want to go. Turkle makes the bold statement that, “Our little devices, the ones we keep in our pocket, are so psychologically powerful, that they don’t only change what we do they change who we are.” (Turkle). I agree that a lot of the things we catch ourselves doing on our mobile devices today would’ve been so un-thought of just a few years ago. We have the power to send e-mail and online shop during class and work and we th... ... middle of paper ... ...l potential we need to ensure that we aren’t so vulnerable without it first. We can’t let ourselves get lazy. Sherry Turkle’s studies do go to show the paradox of technology admirably. It is a powerful thing and it is almost too powerful. We need to stay aware of our human abilities and not rely on an escape from everything. Mentally and physically preparing ourselves for what is at our hands now and what is still to come is imperative to a healthy progression. The idea is to stay grounded because the technological advances of our time are no doubt prominent in our day to day lives and if we aren’t careful they will undoubtedly become us. Works Cited Turkle, Sherry. "We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. .

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